Wellsophyllia not expanding

Creek · 05-17-2001, 12:39 AM

I have a wellsophyllia that is about the size of my closed fist when not expanded. It is much larger, about the size of half a volley ball when expanded and its feeder tentacles are out. Lately it hasn't expanded much at all and never to its former glory. It has been like this for about a week. Do these corals feed for awhile, a few weeks on and off and then stay contracted for awhile? I did also add a favia about three weeks ago up current from the wellsophyllia and noticed some slime like stuff waxing off and flowing towards the expanded wellsophyllia. Do you think the slime irritated it? The favia is about 10 inches from the brain so I don't think sweepers are stinging it. I have looked for this at night under the red light and haven't seen any but have seen little feeder tentacles opened on the favia. Nothing else has changed. I have to get a digital camera as before and after pics would have really helped.

Alice · 05-17-2001, 10:56 AM

Hi Creek;

Corals defend their territory through several means and the mucus you saw coming from the favites may very well have been loaded with nematocyst, stinging cells that are used as both offense and defense. Or with chemical compounds used for the same purposes. I'm not sure of the aggression methods used by favites but I'd move it, or the Wellsy and see if that does the trick.

~Alice

Creek · 05-19-2001, 01:06 AM

Thanks Alice- I moved the wellis around the tank from the favites a day ago and it already seems a little better. It is not quite so contracted but is still not expanding its feeding tentacles. I think it may be on the road to recovery though. I'll keep you posted. I just put in some film for developing and hope to have full tank shots to share soon. Thanks again